CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.5a
The Standard
Explain the meaning of simple similes and metaphors (e.g., as pretty as a picture) in context.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts
What This Standard Means
Students need to spot simple similes and metaphors, then explain what they mean in the sentence or paragraph. They should use the surrounding words, not just guess from the phrase alone. They also need to tell the difference between literal meaning and figurative meaning.
Mastery looks like a student saying, “Her smile was sunshine means her smile made people feel warm and happy,” and pointing to clues in the text. Students often get stuck by explaining the words literally, missing the comparison, or giving a vague answer like “it means nice.”
Ways to Teach It
- Give pairs sentence strips with similes and metaphors, then have them match each one to a picture and explain the comparison aloud.
- Ask students to write: What does “The classroom was a zoo” mean, and what clues in the sentence would prove it?
- Use an exit ticket with three figurative phrases and ask students to write the real meaning of each in one sentence.
- Bring in sports headlines or song lyrics with simple comparisons, then have students explain what the writer really means.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.5a
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What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.5a
Interpret figures of speech (e.g., personification) in context.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.5
Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.5.4
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes.